The Liberal Democrats are calling for an end to the ‘war on drugs’ as a new Home Office study shows it has been a main driver in the rise of homicides in recent years.
The Home Office report ‘Trends and drivers of homicide’, found that drug-related homicides rose by 47% between 2014-15 and 2017-18 (from 217 to 320), and account for most of the overall rise in homicides in recent years.
The report states: “it seems likely that drugs have been an important driver of homicide trends in England and Wales, particularly recently. It also seems likely that the primary mechanism for this effect is via systemic cases caused by the illicit nature of the market and the use of violence for resolving grievances.”
Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine said: “The ‘war on drugs’ has failed and it’s time to abandon long out-dated drugs laws that are damaging, not helping, out communities.
“Current law hasn’t stopped the supply of harmful drugs. All it’s done is concentrate power in the hands of organised crime gangs.
“It’s long past time for the Government to end the war on drugs and take an evidence-based approach to reduce the harm they cause and stop these killings.
“It should start by following the Liberal Democrat proposals for a legal, regulated market for cannabis. That would take back control from the criminal gangs, take ‘skunk’ off the streets, and protect our young people.”